|
Arizona - Chandler's Unique Tumbleweed Tree &
Annual Tree Lighting Festivities
 |
Join us in
celebrating a unique southwestern tradition that
draws visitors from far and wide during the
holidays. This community celebration also
includes the festive Parade of Lights. Chandler
is the only city with a
holiday tree made out of tumbleweeds, and this
year marks the 51st
Tumbleweed Tree built in Historic Downtown
Chandler. |
|
Saturday, Dec. 1,
2007 - 7 p.m.
Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave.
In Historic Downtown Chandler
Arizona Ave., south of Chandler Blvd. |
 |
This unique Chandler
tradition began in 1957, when Chandler resident Earl
Barnum raised the idea of a tumbleweed tree after he saw
a similar one in Indiana built out of cone-shaped
chicken wire with pine boughs stuck in the holes.
Many members of the community helped create the first
tree in Chandler using tumbleweeds that they gathered
from around town. Little did these folks know that they
were the first to do such a thing and that it would
continue as an annual Christmas tradition from then on.
In fact, Chandler is the only city in the southwestern
United States that has such a tree!
How is it done?
First, members of the City's Park Operations Division
gather tumbleweeds from the outskirts of the City. With
Chandler's rapid growth and development, fewer stretches
of empty land are within the City limits, which makes it
harder to find tumbleweeds in large quantities. So, the
Park crews must start collecting the tumbleweeds earlier
each year.
 |
Once the tumbling tumbleweeds are collected,
between 1,500-2,000 are used to adorn a 35-foot
tall wire frame. Then, the tumbleweeds are
sprayed with 25 gallons of white paint, 20
gallons of flame retardant and dusted with 65
pounds of glitter. The tree is later adorned
with approximately 1,200 holiday lights that
give it a spectacular look, day or night. |
The lighting of the Tumbleweed Tree draws a large
crowd, with more than 12,000 expected to watch the Mayor
and members of the City Council flip the switch to light
this magnificent sight.
The Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony and the Parade of
Lights (starting at 7 p.m.) help to bring our community
together to kick-off the holidays.
For more info contact City of Chandler
www.chandleraz.gov
|
|
